The 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, has lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated professional and social gatherings in the state’s media calendar — blending intellectual discourse, camaraderie, competition, and celebration of excellence.
With the theme “Media, Social Justice and National Development,” the week-long event, which began on November 3, has drawn attention to the critical role of journalists in shaping public opinion, promoting justice, and contributing to national progress. Activities have been a rich mix of sports, games, discussions, and awards — all designed to celebrate the power of the pen and the people who wield it responsibly.
The grand finale, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2 p.m., will hold at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki-Epie, Yenagoa. The event will feature a public discourse, luncheon, and awards of honour to deserving individuals and institutions.
The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. John Kalama of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Otuoke (FUO), while the panel discussion will bring together erudite scholars and media practitioners, including Prof. Christian Tuotamuno Diri (FUO), veteran journalist Mr. Charles Tambo, Mrs. Adetokumbo Ade-Eko, General Manager of Peoples FM, and Dr. Kolawale Oredipe.
The session will be moderated by Dr. Anderson Nikade, a broadcast journalist and lecturer at Niger Delta University (NDU). Audience members will also have the opportunity to share perspectives on issues bordering on media freedom, ethics, and social justice.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Dandyson Wanama (Chairman), Comrade Grace Iwolo (Secretary), and Comrade Enideneze Etete (Publicity Secretary), the Press Week Planning Committee disclosed that Prof. Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, will chair the event.
Governor Senator Douye Diri is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Commissioner for Information Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, and the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul.
The release also highlighted that the event will feature luncheon, awards for service to humanity, and cultural displays by the UAT Theatre Troupe.
Ahead of the grand finale, a veterans’ hangout is slated for Friday, November 7, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, where retired journalists will share experiences with their younger colleagues in a nostalgic evening of memories and mentorship.
Beyond the intellectual engagement, this year’s Press Week has also served as a stage for friendly rivalry among journalists through in-door games and novelty matches.
One of the highlights was the eating competition, which saw Ekaunkumo Amgbare of the United Correspondents Chapel retain his title, breaking his previous record of 3.20 seconds to set a new time of 2.12 seconds. Omoro Esther of the Information Chapel finished second, while Chris Mark came third. Amgbare thus became the first person to successfully defend the title in the history of the contest.
In the Ludo competition, former NUJ Chairman Comrade John Angese of Radio Bayelsa triumphed over Diseye Dielagha of New Waves in a 2-1 final, while Eyal Ikisikpo of FRCN took third place.
Dielagha, however, bounced back to defend his Table Tennis title, beating Tosan Enoma of FRCN 2-1, while Kumo Amgbare defeated Chris Mark to take third place.
In Draughts, Tarabina Sunday of the Information Chapel dominated the event, overcoming tough competition from Nicodemus Dauebi and Dominic Sunny, also of the Information Chapel. The same Tarabina, alongside Purome Ipigansi, clinched first and second positions respectively in Scrabble, dethroning last year’s champion, Ebi Appah of Radio Bayelsa.
Chess enthusiasts were not left out, as Glad Yakie of Radio Bayelsa emerged champion, displacing defending champion Kingsley Abidde, who took second place, while Epiri Izibalua of New Waves finished third.
The 2025 NUJ Bayelsa Press Week will conclude on Sunday, November 9, with a thanksgiving service at Church of God Mission, Arieteline, Ovom, to give glory for a successful celebration.
For journalists in Bayelsa, this year’s Press Week is not just about fun and recognition — it is a reminder of their calling: to remain the voice of the voiceless, to uphold social justice, and to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.
